Letter of the month

Antihistamines a game-changer

It was good to see the article ‘Five tips to save you from sandflies’ (Walkshorts, September 2024). Namu (sandflies) were a true bug bear in my first few years of tramping. I was that person whose bites would result in large, itchy welts, 2–3cm in diameter and last a miserable five days. It made me somewhat paranoid about namu entering a tent or hut if a door or window was left open. Stops for breaks were always short-lived with me moving around frantically to try and avoid being bitten.

I tried Dettol and baby oil, which seemed effective, but my partner said it was like walking alongside a public toilet. I have used the other tactics suggested, but they don’t make for a relaxed trip and all have their drawbacks. Drinking a cuppa with a head-net in place is not easy, and covering up when it’s hot and humid isn’t much fun.

Then, the game changer: I tried  regular, prophylactic, non-sedating oral antihistamines from when I entered namu territory until the day after leaving. I have never needed insect repellent since. I still try to avoid being bitten, but now, if I am bitten, it is no big deal, making for much more enjoyable and relaxed trips and rest stops.

A word of warning: some people still feel sleepy even on the non-sedating antihistamines, so they may not be for everyone.

– Janet Downs

Janet wins a $100 voucher from Real Meals (www.realmeals.co.nz). Readers, send your letter to the editor for a chance to win.

Great walking doesn’t stop at 77

I reached the end of the story ‘Great at any age’ (September 2024) with considerable dismay because apparently tramping the Great Walks finishes in your mid-70s. Hold on! I turned 78 in February this year and since then have done the Paparoa and the Heaphy and have no doubt I could still easily do any of the others. Indeed, I found those two trips a bit of a doddle. 

Since then I have also climbed Mt Arthur several times, been to Angelus Hut four times, including twice in snow and ice, and done one multi-day solo camping trip with a couple of 26km days thrown in. Not to mention still doing occasional off-track trips. 

Sure, age is creeping up on me but, for some unknown reason, along with many other ‘oldies’ I am still able to get out there and tramp almost like I used to. 

These days I’m helped by three things that have revolutionised tramping for me – a pair of hiking poles, an Aarn pack and, during the last few months, energy gels (for those moments when energy seems to have run out).

We are all different and hopefully you may also be lucky and will continue tramping well into old age. Good luck!

 – River Howe

A brolly worth bringing

In ‘Gear up for a Great Walk’ (September 2024), gear editor Mark Watson missed one item to add to Jenna Heller’s gear list: an umbrella. 

I have tramped almost all of the Great Walks and many tracks in the Nelson Lakes, Kahurangi, Arthur’s Pass and the Wilkin Valley. Other trampers have laughed to see an umbrella strapped to my pack. But many times I have reached the hut completely dry while others have arrived soaked to the skin. 

Sure, an umbrella adds a few grams, but it is worth its weight in gold. Best buys are golfing umbrellas that are big enough to cover your pack, but more importantly have vents to prevent a ‘Wellington blowout’.

– Rob Riley

Consider Aquatabs

Regarding Jenna Heller’s gear list and her query about water filters, first, do you really need to filter water in the mountains? If yes, Aquatabs are cheap and come in small packets. I have used them all over Asia and South America. They are great.

– Jill Ford

Great Walks record attempt

Is completing ‘11 Greats Walks in 11 days’ possible (Walkshorts, September 2024)? What a shame Bridget Johnson won’t have time to drink in the experience of being present, and to fully embrace the wonders to behold.

– Georgina Rout

Correction

In the October issue, Lissie Hogg suggested a possible explanation for the mystery map of the Tararua Range. However, we incorrectly attributed Lissie’s letter to someone else. We regret this mistake and apologise to Lissie.